In 2004, they self-released their bold debut, Up From the Ground Below: an all-live album, recorded in one day, around a single microphone at the restaurant. They were immediately courted by labels, and chose to sign with Red Parlor Records (Ryko Distribution). The word was out.

M SHANGHAI's second album From the Air was named one of the top 10 albums of 2007 by the Albany Times Union (along with Mavis Staples, Arcade Fire, Robert Plant/Alison Krauss). Critic Greg Haymes wrote 'Thoroughly contemporary songs, resulting in absolutely timeless music. Simply the most joyous musical celebration of the year.'

The band's concerts have received equal praise, making 'Best Live Shows of the Year' lists. NYC's Village Voice dedicated a feature to the band in July 2008, and even the New York Times gave them a shout in a major article on the roots music revolution in New York. They've sold out big venues including the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, Summer Music Festival; yet despite the growing buz M SHANGHAI continue to play for free every first Saturday of the month in the Brooklyn basement where it all began- and play all night they do.

Highly regarded behind the scenes as songsmiths and session players -- with innumerable hits, cuts and licks to their credit -- this batch of seasoned pros has performed to sold out crowds from their inception almost two years ago. While offering new takes on classic themes of redemption and loss, and hope and home their songs are equally informed by the mountain sound of Ralph Stanley and the rhythm and blues of Ray Charles.

Recording all original material, The SteelDrivers' collision of back-country high lonesome and Delta soul is one of the most refreshing sounds to emerge on the acoustic scene in a long time. With no hype, just incredible talent, these five musicians have already established a name for themselves in a town that barely looks twice at a bunch of folks holding acoustic instruments. Stretching the boundaries of the typical bluegrass band, the dynamic rock/blues/soul vocals of Chris Stapleton (songs recorded by Josh Turner, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney) put the high lonesome bluegrass sound smack dab in the middle of town.

Reuniting with producer Gurf Morlix and co-writer pals such as Rod Picott and Adam Carroll, the new collection of literate and astute, Americana folk tales is a beautiful follow up to the critically acclaimed /Wishbones /(2004)/ /and/ Broke Down /(2000). While continuing to showcase his masterful talent as a songwriter of depth and detail, /Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away/ evinces the growth of an artist probing yet deeper into the human heart.

Produced by Guy Erez (PJ Olsson) and mastered by Grammy winning engineer Gavin Lurssen, /Everything You Need /is a beautiful reflection of Manda's folk rock sensibilities. In an early review Paul Zollo of _American Songwriter_ wrote "(Manda's) melodies with poignant lyrics sung with a sensual, sultry authority... this is good, this is now." A sixth generation Los Angeleno, I hear a California girl with bits of Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Tom Petty and Aimee Mann.

Without being saccarine or overly sentimental, the entire collection is a message of promise for better days. If there is anything we have learned throughout the past few years it is the importance of personal connections and the preciousness of life -- the country-flavored, acoustic folk music and insightful writing is all about the importance of the small things in life -- friendship and love.

The sisters co-write nine of the eleven tracks and performed all the vocals. The cd ends with the only cover they've ever recorded, Tom Petty's lullaby 'Alright for Now'.